How to Become a Notary in Nevada (2026)

Published January 25, 2023 · Updated May 21, 2026

Key Takeaways

Exam and 3-hour training course required: must retake both on every renewal
$10,000 surety bond required (premium costs $40-$50)
Application fee: $35 | Training course: $45 | Commission term: 4 years
Processing time: 2-3 weeks
Notary stamp and journal both required
Maximum fee: $15 per acknowledgment/jurat, $7.50 per oath
Must be 18+, a NV resident (or adjoining-state resident with NV business), possess civil rights
RON/eNotary available (separate $50 registration + $45 course)

Nevada requires more upfront work than most states, a mandatory 3-hour training course, a state exam, and a $10,000 surety bond. You also have to retake the course and exam every time you renew. But the process is clear and well-documented by the Secretary of State.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old
Be a resident of Nevada. The Secretary of State may also appoint residents of adjoining states if they maintain a registered place of business in Nevada or are regularly employed by a Nevada-registered employer
Possess your civil rights (no active felony convictions)
Complete the state’s online 3-hour notary education course
Pass the state’s notary exam

Disqualifying Factors

You cannot become a Nevada notary if you:

Submit an application with a significant falsehood or omission
Have had a notary appointment revoked in any state
Have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, such as burglary, embezzlement, extortion, forgery, fraud, identity theft, larceny, obtaining money under false pretenses, or robbery. This bar is lifted if more than 10 years have passed since you completed your sentence, you’ve paid all restitution, and your civil rights are restored
Have a pending complaint that would disqualify you

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Purchase Your $10,000 Surety Bond

Buy a $10,000 surety bond from a licensed bonding company or insurance agent. The premium typically costs $40-$50. The bond protects the public, not you personally.

Step 2: Take Your Oath at the County Clerk

File your bond and take your oath of office with your county clerk. You can do this before or after completing the training course: just make sure everything is ready before you submit your state application.

Step 3: Complete the Training Course and Pass the Exam

Take the state’s mandatory 3-hour notary education course, then pass the notary exam. You must complete the course before taking the exam. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it. The course costs $45 and is administered through the Nevada Secretary of State.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Complete the online notary public application with the Secretary of State and pay the $35 filing fee. Have your bond, oath, and exam results ready. Processing takes 2-3 weeks. There’s a $10 fee for any amendments or corrections to your application.

Costs to Get Commissioned

Item	Cost
$10,000 surety bond premium	$40-$50
State application fee	$35
3-hour training course	$45
County filing/oath	Varies (~$10)
Notary stamp (required)	$15-$25
Notary journal (required)	$10-$50
Total	$155-$225

Maximum Allowable Fees

Nevada sets specific fee caps under NRS 240.100:

$15 per acknowledgment or jurat
$7.50 per verbal oath or affirmation
$25 per remote online notarization (eNotary)
Mobile notary travel fees: $15-$30 per hour if agreed upon in advance

Authorized Notarial Acts

Take acknowledgments
Administer oaths and affirmations
Execute jurats
Certify copies
Protest negotiable instruments
Perform electronic notarizations (with separate eNotary commission)
Perform remote online notarizations (with separate eNotary commission)

Notary Stamp Requirements

Nevada requires a notary stamp. The stamp must include your name exactly as commissioned, “Notary Public,” “State of Nevada,” and your commission expiration date.

Notarizing for Family Members

Nevada does not explicitly prohibit notarizing for family members. However, you should never notarize a document where you have a direct financial or beneficial interest. If you are a named party to the document or stand to gain financially from the transaction, decline the notarization regardless of the family relationship.

Penalties for Notary Misconduct

Performing a notarial act without a valid commission, making false statements on your application, or failing to maintain your bond can result in revocation of your commission. Nevada takes notary misconduct seriously, the 10-year moral turpitude bar for applicants shows the state expects high standards of integrity.

Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not required, but strongly recommended. E&O insurance protects you personally from liability resulting from a mistake or omission during a notarization. Talk to your insurance provider about coverage options.

Renewal

Nevada notary commissions last 4 years. The renewal process is the same as the initial application: retake the training course and exam, purchase a new bond, and submit a new application with all applicable fees. You also need a new notary stamp. There is no grace period.

Electronic Notarization and RON

Nevada was an early adopter of electronic and remote online notarization. To become an eNotary, you must complete the state’s separate electronic notary training course ($45) and pass the eNotary exam. Registration costs $50. You’ll also need an electronic seal, electronic journal, and digital certificate from an approved provider.

Becoming a Signing Agent in Nevada

Nevada’s real estate market creates consistent demand for notary signing agents. A signing agent is a notary who specializes in loan documents: purchases, refinances, and closings. Nevada is not an attorney state for real estate closings, so signing agents can handle the full signing process.

Nevada’s $15 fee cap per acknowledgment is higher than most states (many cap at $10 or less), and the $25 RON fee is competitive. The requirement to retake training and the exam on every renewal is unusual. Most states only require it for initial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a notary exam in Nevada?

Yes. You must pass the state notary exam after completing the mandatory 3-hour training course. If you fail, you must wait 24 hours before retaking it.

Do I need a surety bond in Nevada?

Yes. Nevada requires a $10,000 surety bond. The premium costs $40-$50 for the 4-year term.

How long does a Nevada notary commission last?

4 years. You must retake the training course and exam to renew.

Is a notary journal required in Nevada?

Yes. All Nevada notaries must maintain a journal of notarial acts.

How much can a Nevada notary charge?

$15 per acknowledgment or jurat, $7.50 per oath or affirmation, and $25 per remote online notarization. Mobile travel fees of $15-$30/hour are allowed if agreed upon in advance.

Can Nevada notaries perform remote online notarizations?

Yes. Register as an eNotary by completing the state’s electronic notary course ($45) and exam, then pay the $50 registration fee.

How Nevada Compares to Neighboring States

Requirement	Nevada	California	Arizona	Utah
Bond	$10,000	$15,000	$5,000	$5,000
Exam	Yes	Yes	Yes ($46.75)	Yes
Training	Yes	6 hours	Yes	No (study guide)
Term	4 years	4 years	4 years	4 years
Max Fee	$15	$15	$10	$10
RON	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

All four Southwest states require an exam. California has the highest barriers (6-hour course + $15,000 bond). Arizona requires no bond. Nevada and California both cap fees at $15. Utah requires no formal training course.